Eidur out to silence critics

Mark Hughes says Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to prove a point at Fulham after his Stoke move failed to work out.

Last Updated: 04/02/11 4:28pm

Mark Hughes feels new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen could have a point to prove at Fulham after his Stoke move failed to work out.

The Icelandic striker joined the Cottagers on a transfer deadline-day loan deal having struggled to make an impact at the Britannia Stadium.

The 32-year-old, a former Bolton, Chelsea and Tottenham player, arrived at Stoke from Monaco last year, but notched up just four Premier League appearances for the club.

And Fulham boss Hughes believes Gudjohnsen will be eager to silence his critics at Craven Cottage.

"Maybe he's got a little bit of a point to prove because a lot of people maybe have questioned where his career is at," said Hughes.

"He obviously wants to put that right and there's no reason why he can't do."

Permanent

Gudjohnsen will hope to earn a permanent deal at Fulham in the summer, while full-back John Pantsil will also be looking for an extension on his contract.

Hughes has already tied down captain Danny Murphy and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on new deals, with the latter demonstrating his importance against Newcastle on Wednesday night.

The shot-stopper helped the Cottagers to a 1-0 home victory after being immediately recalled following Australia's Asian Cup campaign, reclaiming the gloves from understudy David Stockdale.

"Mark's my No.1 keeper," said Hughes. "It's been hard on David Stockdale, in fairness, because he's a young keeper with a great future."

Hughes insists Stockdale "understood" why he was dropped, despite the 25-year-old impressing enough to be talked about once more in England terms having been touted for a call-up in August before injury struck.

Speaking about the possibility of Stockdale being called up for next week's friendly with Denmark, Hughes said: "If it happens this time, given the level of his performances, I think it would be deserved."